The only limitations are those in your head. Everything else is just a technical problem.

Starting a new tradition…

Over the past six weeks, I have been seeing a psychologist to help me work through some of the trauma of Ella’s birth injury, her death and the miscarriage in June. Going to the obstetrician for this pregnancy has caused me a lot of anxiety. The first few times that I went for a check up my blood pressure was very high. High blood pressure is very unusual for me and it occurred only when I went to the obstetrician. White coat syndrome, I suppose. So about six weeks ago I started seeing a psychologist who was recommended by a dear friend. In my sessions I have been doing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) http://www.emdr.com/general-information/what-is-emdr.html. My understanding is that EMDR is very good and effective for specific incidents of trauma, like Ella’s birth, Ella’s death and my miscarriage. The therapy, apparently, is not as effective for folks who have had long periods of trauma like a very traumatic childhood. Regardless, it has really helped me get a handle on my anxiety. My last two obstetrician appointments have gone well and my blood pressure has been normal. I still have much more work to do. The thought of returning to the hospital where Ella was treated to deliver this baby causes me some seriously strong negative emotions. 5 months to work on that, one step at a time.

At my last appointment the therapist and I talked about handling the holidays. She shared with me that she lost her daughter 8 years ago to a rare heart condition. (crazy huh?) She asked if she could share with me what she does to honor her daughter at this time of the year. Of course I was happy to hear about her tradition and learn from someone who has been in my shoes. She said that throughout her life, her daughter amassed a beautiful collection of earrings. Each year, since her daughter’s death, my therapist puts up her daughter’s Christmas stocking and buys a beautiful pair of earrings to put in her stocking. Then, my therapist borrows the earrings. This beautiful story felt like a huge breath of fresh air to me. Whimsical and fun, just like celebrating with Ella. Just this week I was digging through a cedar closet in the basement where I keep our christmas decorations and Ella’s christmas stocking fell out. I think Ella likes the idea, too. She did have a beautiful collections of bracelets and nail polish.

I’m so sorry for your loss. After my son passed last year, we began writing notes and putting them in his stocking. They stay there all year and we will write him again this year. I’m sure at some point down the road, his stocking will get full, but it’s a way for us to feel connected with him over the holidays.